Grow with Google to Sponsor Prospera Business Network – Montana Women’s Business Center

Announced at Day-Long Event to Help Bozeman Workers and Small Businesses Grow their Digital Skills

Bozeman, MT — Today, Grow with Google, the tech company’s initiative to help create economic opportunities for all Americans, announced a $50,000 sponsorship to the Prospera Business Network | Montana Women’s Business Center. As part of the effort, Grow with Google hosted the free, one-day event at the Bozeman Event Space to help job seekers and small business owners improve their digital skills.

"Montanans are known for our hard-working and entrepreneurial spirit and we frequently lead the nation when it comes to business start-up activity," said Montana Governor Steve Bullock. "The Grow with Google event in Bozeman is a great opportunity for teachers, job seekers and businesses alike to access the digital tools and skills needed to be successful in a 21st century economy."

With the sponsorship from Grow with Google, Prospera Business Network | Montana Women’s Business Center will help small businesses, particularly women-owned small businesses, learn about tools, resources and training offered through the Get Your Business Online (GYBO) program. The trainings will be available across the southwest Montana region, where Prospera Business Network and Montana Women’s Business Center operate.

"We are very excited to be working with Google," said Paul Reichert, Prospera Business Network Executive Director. "Our Montana Women’s Business Center program will use this sponsorship to ensure more small businesses get the training they need to take full advantage of Google’s suite of technology and to leverage their online story with Grow with Google."

Grow with Google’s event was held inside Mason’s Hall at the Bozeman Event Space all day on Thursday. Google staff led hands-on workshops about online marketing for small businesses, search engine optimization, and email and presentation basics. Attendees also received coaching on how to use G Suite productivity and collaboration tools. Google partnered with The Bozeman Public Library, ASMSU Montana State University, Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars at Montana State University, Bozeman School District 7, Bracken Center | Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, the City of Bozeman, Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Gallatin College, Montana High Tech Business Alliance and the Montana Small Business Development Center.

Google launched Grow with Google in October of last year. The American initiative draws on Google’s 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow. Through this initiative, Google aims to help everyone across America – those who make up the workforce of today and the those who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses.

"Through our support of Prospera Business Network | Montana Women’s Business Center and by bringing the Grow with Google Tour to Bozeman, we hope to provide learners with the digital skills necessary to succeed in the new economy," said Aisha Taylor, Community Engagement Manager for Grow with Google. "We are grateful to have Governor Bullock working alongside us on this event and value his commitment to digital literacy for his constituents."

"Bozeman Public Library is excited to partner with Grow With Google! Helping our community grow and advance themselves using technology aligns with our mission to inspire curiosity, exploration, and connection, and also aligns with our current strategic plan by providing opportunities to learn and use technology beyond the library. Plus, libraries love free, and Grow with Google is a free event!," Corey Fifles of the Bozeman Public Library.

Following the Grow with Google event, Google will explore ongoing partnership opportunities with local organizations to help with job training and developing digital skills.

Specifically, Grow with Google aims to help address the skills gap by preparing Americans for middle-skill jobs, positions that require some skills but not four year degrees. According to the National Middle Skills Initiative, middle skills jobs account to 52% of Montanta’s labor force. A recent study by Burning Glass and Capital One found that more than 8 in 10 middle-skill jobs (82%) require digital skills. Overall, middle-skill jobs average $20 per hour.

In their 2017 Economic Impact Report, Google announced that 3,400 businesses in Montana generated $113 million in economic activity by using Google’s search and advertising tools. The full report details Google’s economic impact state-by-state, and features the stories of businesses fueling that growth, creating job opportunities, and transforming their communities.

Peter Schottenfels

Global Communications & Public Affairs

(646) 832-6578